Geography and History in the Iraq War

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Geography Shapes the Course of Iraq War

The course of the Iraq War has been shaped immensely by the geography of the region for nearly 40 years. The movement of Iraq forces throughout the region, for better or worse, has had many effects on the way in which the way has gone. For instance, these forces often threatened certain resources needed by many countries and regions. The result of this was often war or conflict, concluding in a devastating amount of casualties. This also left Iraq with debt as well as very low resources such as food and water. The basis of the whole entire war has been on certain aspects of the geography, which has had a result of creating many small wars throughout this whole ordeal as well as many other consequential occurrences.

Geography affects this war through many different ways. Even the most simplistic of all military objectives require some sort of understanding of the geography of the region. Whether this would include the climate or just the physical geography of the area, it does affect decisions made and how tactics are ran. The main way physical geography would have an impact, is that it would help in understanding certain aspects of the environment. Thus this would allow leaders to create clear and effective plans for the war. Without comprehending this, it may result in more casualties, or even losing the war. Without understanding certain cultural and political boundaries, the war could become even more devastating. To have no comprehension of this would result in destruction and turmoil among the frontline.

In September 1980, a very destructive war with Iran was started by Saddam Hussein. This was a result of an invasion in Iran. This invasion spurred an eight year war. Saddam used c...

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... Kuwait to get to the southern part of Iraq. In this situation, Iraq was left cornered. Also the movement of some of Osama Bin Laden's beliefs had greatly affected the war. This brought forth many opposing forces against the United States.

One key factor in the Iraq War is geographical technology. Knowing the location of enemy forces is important knowledge in leading a military operation. Whether this is done by GPS or satellite imagery, it affects the was by a geographical standpoint. Following the invention of the GPS, missiles have become extraordinarily accurate and dangerous. Although these great technologies were made, military forces still have to know how to use simple tools such as maps and compasses. Although this technology makes a huge difference in the war, and hopefully in the future their effectiveness raises catastrophically to decrease casualties.

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